Kayak back-band installation assembly and method for installing a back-band in a kayak

ABSTRACT

An assembly and method for installing a back-band utilize ratchet straps and pawl members interconnected with the back band and cockpit area of a kayak. The pawl member may be mounted to either the back-band or kayak. The ratchet strap has a first end insertable in the pawl members, and inclined teeth engage the pawl member. A second end of the ratchet strap is secured to either the kayak or back-band. In addition, a band and buckle assembly may interconnect with the back-band and kayak to support and align the back-band in the kayak cockpit.

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/734,447 filed Dec. 11, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to kayaks, and specifically toback-bands used with kayaks. More specifically, the invention pertainsto those assemblies and methods used to install and use a back-band in acockpit of a kayak.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Kayaking continues to increase in popularity as a recreationaloutdoor sport and activity. A kayak is a single hulled water vessel thatis propelled in the water by paddles controlled by a user. Thisinvention is for use with a kayak 11 as shown in FIG. 1. This particularmodel kayak has a semi-enclosed cockpit 12 within which a kayaker maysit.

[0004] A seat 13 is mounted in the cockpit 12 for supporting thekayaker. The seat 13 is attached to the hull by seat towers 14. As shownin FIG. 1, two seat towers 14 are preferably integrally molded to theseat 13 and the inside surface of the cockpit 12, although other knownmeans of attachment are possible. The seat towers 14 dependsubstantially vertically from the top of the cockpit 12 to the seat 13,suspending the seat within the cockpit 12. Accessory parts aremanufactured to adapt the seat 13 and cockpit area for the comfort ofthe kayaker. One such part is a back-band that is attached to the seattowers, or other areas of the cockpit. The back-band is secured in thecockpit so the back-band is suspended rearward of the seat to supportthe kayakers' back while sitting in the kayak.

[0005] Generally, back-bands include an elongated padded member. Strapsare generally attached to the back-band and to different parts of thekayak within the cockpit area. One such back-band 15 is manufactured byBomber Gear, Inc., shown in FIG. 2, and includes a foam piece covered bya skin. In that device, a nylon strap 16, sewn to the skin, has twolooped ends 18. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each end of the strap 18 ispreferably inserted through an aperture machined through a flange onrespective seat tower 14. As shown in the device of FIG. 2, a section of“pvc” pipe 19 is fitted in each looped end 18 of the strap 16, andsecured in the looped end 18 by a flexible wire. In the device of FIG.2, the pipe section 19 prevents the strap 16 from slipping through theaperture on the seat tower 14, while the strap 16 is tightened orloosened around the user by a buckle 17 through which the strap isthreaded.

[0006] Prior art back-bands such as that shown in FIG. 2 suffer fromcertain disadvantages. The straps are made of a nylon-webbed materialtypically used for such buckle and strap assemblies. The straps areawkward to handle during installation of the back-band. In addition, theback-bands require assembly of parts as described which unnecessarilycomplicate installation of existing back-bands. Further, during use ofthe back band, the buckle and strap arrangement increases thepossibility that the band will become inadvertently loosened due tostresses encountered during use, thus decreasing user comfort andsafety.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention isto provide an assembly and method of installation and use for a kayakback-band that is easier to install, costs less to manufacture, and ismore efficient in use.

[0008] These and other objectives are met by using a ratcheted back bandassembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The assembly of the present invention generally utilizesratcheted straps which engage pawl members interconnected with the backband and cockpit area of a kayak. The pawl member may be mounted toeither the back-band or kayak. The ratcheted strap has a first endinsertable in the pawl member, and inclined teeth engage the pawlmember. A second end of the ratchet strap is secured to either the kayakor back-band.

[0010] In addition, a band and buckle assembly may interconnect with theback-band and kayak to support and align the back-band in the kayakcockpit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kayak.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a prior art back-band strap assembly.

[0013]FIG. 3 is the prior art back-band installed in a kayak.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of theinvention.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a kayak cockpit showing the firstembodiment of the invention installed in a kayak.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of theinvention.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of theinvention installed in a kayak.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a top view of a third embodiment of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 9 is rear perspective view of a fourth embodiment of theinvention.

[0020]FIGS. 10 through 15 show other embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In FIG. 1, a kayak 11 is illustrated as a single hull watervessel. The kayak 11 has a cockpit 12 which includes a seat 13 forsupporting a kayaker. A kayak has a shell forming the hull 32 of thevessel, which is preferably constructed from polyethylene. The seat 13includes a substantially horizontal member 13A (FIG. 8) and the uprightsupports 14, also referred to as seat towers, which are fixed to thehull 32 adjacent a rim of the cockpit 12. The seat towers 14 havesections 26, which extend laterally from the seat towers 14 to the sidesof the kayak 11.

[0022] With respect to FIG. 4, a first embodiment of the invention isshown including a back-band 21 having a ratchet assembly for securingthe back-band 21 within the cockpit 12 of the kayak 11. The ratchetassembly preferably includes two pawl members 24 mounted to a backsideof the back-band 21, although a greater or lesser number of pawl membersmay be used and they may be mounted to other locations. Ratchet straps23 are insertable into the pawl members 24, and connect to an areawithin the interior of the hull 32 of the kayak 11 and/or within thecockpit 12 of the kayak 11.

[0023] Each of the ratchet straps 23 may be constructed of a resilientelongated member having a first end 23A insertable through the pawlmember 24, and a second end 23B which may be secured to the kayak 11and/or the back band 21 in some fashion. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,second end 23B contains a knob 25 for affixing the strap 23 to thekayak, such as for example through the aperture in seat tower 14. Theratchet straps 23 have a plurality of inclined teeth 28 disposed along asurface of the ratchet strap 23. The inclined teeth 28 engage the pawlmember 24 in order to adjust and secure the ratchet strap 23 on theback-band 21.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the ratchet straps are approximately10½ inches long, and about 1 inch wide, and the thickness of the strapis approximately ⅙ to ⅛ inches measured from the crest or peak of aninclined tooth to a back surface of the strap 23. The straps 23 aresimilar to those obtained from manufacturers of snowboard or ski bootsas known to one skilled in the art. For example, straps (as well as thepawl members) can be purchased from either Everest, S.P.A., or ATA, eachlocated in Italy.

[0025] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the back-band 21 is shown installed in thecockpit 12 of the kayak 11. A slot 22 is drilled into the section 26disposed toward the stern of the kayak on each seat tower 14. The slot22 is made large enough so the ratchet strap 23 fits through the slot22. To that end, the slot 22 can preferably be one inch in length andapproximately 3/16 of an inch wide. Each seat tower 14 can bemanufactured with a hole 29, preferably approximately two-inches indiameter, within which a pad (not shown) is secured for the comfort ofthe kayaker. The pad is removed and the first end 23A of the ratchetstrap 23 is inserted through the hole 29 and then through the slot 22,although either of these apertures may be bypassed in favor of theother. The ratchet strap 23 is then guided through pawl member 24 thatengages the inclined teeth 28 of the ratchet strap 23, thereby securingand adjusting the ratchet strap 23 on the back-band 21.

[0026] The pawl member 24 can optionally include engagement and biasingmember 38 mounted to a bracket 39 that is riveted to the back band 21.As the first end 23A of the ratchet strap 23 is inserted through thepawl member 24 the engagement member 38 automatically opens and closesengaging the strap 23. In this manner, the length of the ratchet strap23 inserted through the pawl member 24 is adjustable to a desiredlength, and the back-band 21 may thereby be centered over the seat ofthe cockpit to accommodate a particular user. When a kayaker seatshimself in the kayak 11, the back-band 21 supports the lower back of thekayaker. The knob 25 on the second end 23B of the ratchet strap 23prevents the ratchet strap 23 from sliding through the slot 22, securingthe back-band 21 in the kayak 11. The desired slack or tension betweenthe ratchet strap 23 and back-band 21 is determined by adjusting theratchet strap 23 length through the pawl member 24 as above described.The knob 25 can optionally be a plastic member including two halvesriveted, molded or otherwise attached to the second end 23B of theratchet strap; therefore eliminating the need for assembly as in priorart devices.

[0027] Additional support and adjustment to the back-band 21 may beadded by optional attachment of a strap and buckle mechanism along thecockpit area. As shown in FIG. 8, the nylon strap 42 threads throughapertures formed along or around the cockpit rim 41 of the kayak 11,adjacent the seat 13 toward the stern of the vessel. In addition, eachend of the strap 42 is laced through a buckle 46. The nylon strapping 42is interconnected to the back band 21. Tightening the strap 42 in thebuckle 46 will adjust the height of the back-band 21, and assistscentering the back-band on the seat 13.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7, the pawl members 24 may be optionally mountedto protrusions within the hull of the kayak or other points. Themounting point shown in FIG. 7 illustrates thigh braces 40 against whicha kayaker may brace himself/herself. A pawl member 24 is mounted to eachthigh brace 40. The first end 23A of the ratchet strap 23 is insertedthrough the pawl member 24. The second end 23B is preferably fixed to anylon webbing strap 43 which extends toward the stern to the back-band21 where it attaches either permanently, or in an adjustable manner asthrough a buckle. A fixed attachment means can include a grommet andrivet mechanism known to one skilled in the art.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the ratchet and back-bandassembly are equipped with a nylon strap and buckle mechanism. Twobuckles 31 are used in this embodiment. A middle strap 43 is threadedthrough the fixed end of each buckle 31, and secured to the back band byrivets 45. The pawl member 24 is positioned on the middle strap 43, andthe rivet 45 extends through the middle strap 43 and the pawl memberbracket 39, securing both the pawl member 24 and middle strap 43 to theback-band 21. End straps 46 are threaded through apertures on or aroundthe cockpit rim 41 of the kayak 11. The end straps 46 are loosened ortightened within the buckle 31 to adjust the back-band 21 to a desiredposition within the cockpit 12 and/or to secure the back-band 21, as thecase may be.

[0030] The back-band 21 with the ratchet assembly is not intended to belimited by the means of attachment to the kayak 11, point of attachmentof the ratchet straps 23 to the kayak 11, or the number of ratchetstraps 23 used in its operation. Nor is the invention intended to belimited to the above-described embodiments. That is, the ratchet straps23 may be secured at points other than the seat towers 14. For example,some cockpits 12 may not be equipped for attachment of the back-band 21,or users may desire operating the ratchet assembly at locations otherthan the back-band 21 such as at the thigh brace 40 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0031] Other embodiments of the present invention falling generallywithin the scope of the above-described subject matter are shown inFIGS. 10 through 15. FIG. 10 shows two ratchets A attached to thebackband that adjust two ratchet straps B. The ratchet straps B arefixed to the backs of the seat towers C. FIG. 11 shows ratchets A placedon the thigh braces, used to adjust ratchet straps B. The straps in turnpull the webbing threaded through the seat tower C to adjust thebackband. FIG. 12 shows one ratchet A fastened to one side of the seattower and one ratchet strap B that adjust a length of webbing that goesthrough the back of the seat C and is anchored to the other side of theseat tower D. FIG. 13 uses one ratchet A fastened directly to thebackband. The backband can be centered by adjusting the webbing throughthe tension lock B. The webbing is attached to the other seat tower C.FIG. 14 shows a ratchet A, that adjusts strap B. The strap is connectedto a cord or length of webbing that is threaded through a channel underthe seat C, out through the back of the seat tower on one side of theseat D. The webbing or cord continues through loops on the back of theback band E, and then is anchored to the other side of the seat tower F.FIG. 15 shows ratchet A mounted in front of the seat that adjusts astrap B. Two cords or lengths of webbing are threaded through twochannels C and out through the backs of both seat towers D. The cords orwebbing then attach to the back band E.

[0032] The ratchet assembly may include only a single ratchet strap 23and pawl member 24 or may include more than two each of them, and mayeliminate the nylon strap and buckle assembly used to secure theback-band 21 within the cockpit 12. A single (or more than one) pawlmember 24 may be mounted to the back-band 21 or on the thigh brace 40 asdescribed above, or in other locations as shown in FIGS. 10 through 15,and the ratchet strap 23 can be threaded through cockpit area 12 orother locations for engagement with the pawl member 24 as shown in FIGS.10 through 15.

[0033] The present disclosure includes that contained in the appendedclaims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although thisinvention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degreeof particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

I claim as my invention the following:
 1. A kayak back-band assembly,comprising: (a) a back-band having an elongated member for supportingthe back of a person situated in the kayak; (b) at least one pawl membermounted to the back-band; and, (c) at least one ratchet strap having afirst end secured to said pawl member and a second end adapted to beingsecured to the kayak.
 2. A kayak back-band assembly as defined in claim1 further comprising two pawl members mounted on a back surface of theback-band, and two ratchet straps, each ratchet strap having a first endextending through a corresponding pawl member, and a second end adaptedto being secured within the cockpit area of the kayak.
 3. A kayakback-band assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said kayak includes aseat mounted in the cockpit of the kayak, and said seat including asubstantially horizontal member, two upright support members mounted toa hull of the kayak depending therefrom and suspending said seat withinthe cockpit, and each said upright support member having a slot throughwhich a ratchet strap is adapted to extend and said ratchet strap havinga knob mounted on said second end of each ratchet strap.
 4. A kayakback-band assembly as defined in claim 1 further comprising a buckle andstrap assembly interconnected to the back-band and adapted to beingsecured to the kayak for supporting said back band in the kayak.
 5. Akayak back-band assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said strap andbuckle assembly includes a flexible material adapted to being threadedthrough said buckle and through apertures formed in the cockpit of thekayak.
 6. A kayak back-band assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein saidstrap and buckle assembly includes a flexible strapping having a middlestrap fixed to the back band and adapted to being threaded through twobuckles, and two end straps with each end strap adapted to beingthreaded through a slot formed in the kayak and through each saidbuckle, and said buckle being adjustable along a length of respectiveend straps.
 7. A kayak back-band assembly, comprising: (a) a back-bandhaving an elongated member for supporting the back of a person situatedin the kayak; (b) at least one pawl member adapted to be mounted withinthe kayak; and (c) at least one ratchet strap having a first end securedto said pawl member and having at least one member attached to a secondend of the ratchet strap to interconnect the ratchet strap to theback-band.
 8. A kayak back-band assembly as defined in claim 7 whereinsaid kayak has at least one thigh brace in the cockpit area of thekayak, and at least one said pawl member is adapted to be mounted to athigh brace.
 9. A kayak back-band assembly as defined in claim 7 whereinat least one said pawl member is located in front of a seating areawithin said kayak and wherein at least one said member attached to saidsecond end of said ratchet strap is routed beneath said seat and throughan upright support member mounted to a hull of the kayak dependingtherefrom and suspending said seat within the cockpit.
 10. A kayakback-band assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein at least one said pawlmember is attached to an upright support member mounted to a hull of thekayak depending therefrom and suspending a seat of the kayak within thecockpit.
 9. 11. A method for installing a back-band in a kayak,comprising: (a) mounting at least one pawl member on the back-band; (b)securing a first end of a ratchet strap to a pawl member; and (c)supporting a second end of said ratchet strap in the kayak.
 12. A methodas defined in claim 11 wherein the step of supporting the second end ofthe ratchet strap includes fixing a knob on said second end of theratchet strap and installing said strap through a slot formed in a seatin the kayak. kayak.
 13. A method as defined in claim 11 furthercomprising the step of interconnecting a strap and buckle assembly tothe back-band and to a cockpit of the kayak.
 14. A method as defined inclaim 13 wherein said step of interconnecting a strap and buckleassembly includes forming at least one aperture in the kayak, threadingat least one flexible strap through said aperture and through at leastone buckle, and adjusting the tension of the flexible strap with thebuckle.
 15. A method for installing a back-band in a kayak, comprising:(a) mounting at least one pawl member to the kayak; (b) securing a firstend of a ratchet strap to a pawl member; and (c) supporting a second endof said ratchet strap to the back-band.
 16. A method as defined in claim15 wherein said step of mounting at least one pawl member includesmounting at least one said pawl member to a thigh brace in the kayak.17. A method as defined in claim 15 wherein the step of supporting saidsecond end of a ratchet strap includes fixing a flexible strap to thesecond end of the ratchet strap and fixing the said flexible strap tothe back-band.
 18. A method as defined in claim 15 wherein said step ofmounting at least one said pawl member includes mounting said pawlmember in front of a seating area within said kayak and wherein saidstep of supporting said second end of said ratchet strap includesattaching a flexible strap to said second end and routing said flexiblestrap beneath said seat and through an upright support member mounted toa hull of the kayak depending therefrom and suspending said seat withinthe cockpit.
 19. A method as defined in claim 15 wherein said step ofmounting at least one said pawl member includes mounting said pawlmember to an upright support member mounted to a hull of the kayakdepending therefrom and suspending a seat of the kayak within thecockpit.